Mary Pickford Cocktail Recipe

Named after Mary Pickford, the silent film icon of the 1920s, this cocktail carries a bit of Hollywood history. But Mary wasn’t just a movie star. She co-founded United Artists and helped shape the film industry into what it is today.

Legend says bartender Eddie Woelke created this drink in Cuba just for her. Whether she ever set foot in Havana or not, the cocktail has stood the test of time.

If you’re in the mood for something classic and refreshing, the Mary Pickford cocktail recipe is one to try. It’s a little taste of history in every sip.

Ingredients You'll Need

The Mary Pickford cocktail blends just the right mix of sweet, tart, and boozy flavors. Let’s go over what we need to make it perfect.

White Rum

A good-quality light rum keeps the Mary Pickford cocktail crisp and smooth without overpowering the fruit flavors.

Cuban-style or Puerto Rican rums work best. We love Bacardi Superior, Havana Club 3 Year, or Don Q Cristal for their clean, slightly dry character. Dark or aged rums might be tempting, but they can take over the delicate tropical notes we want in this cocktail.

You might also like: Easy White Rum Cocktails | Best Dark Rum Cocktails to Try

Pineapple Juice

Fresh pineapple juice makes all the difference. If we can, we crush fresh pineapple and strain the juice to get that bright, natural sweetness.

If fresh isn’t an option, the next best thing is 100% pure pineapple juice with no added sugars. Pressing the juice right before mixing gives the best flavor and texture, making the cocktail taste fresh and vibrant.

Grenadine

Grenadine adds a touch of sweetness and gives the drink its signature rosy glow. But not all grenadine is created equal.

Most store-bought versions are packed with artificial ingredients, so we prefer making our own by reducing pomegranate juice with sugar and adding a splash of orange blossom water. If we need a quick alternative, Rose’s or Monin grenadine can do the trick.

Related: 17 Best Grenadine Cocktails You Need to Try | Homemade Grenadine Syrup Recipe

Maraschino Liqueur

This liqueur adds a hint of cherry and a little depth to the drink. It comes from Marasca cherries, not the bright red cocktail cherries we see in stores.

Luxardo is the classic choice, but Leopold Bros and Maraska are great alternatives. A little goes a long way, so we pour with a light hand to keep the flavors balanced.

How to Make a Mary Pickford Cocktail

Let’s mix up this classic rum cocktail inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. We’re combining white rum, fresh pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur, and grenadine to create a drink that’s smooth, tropical, and full of flavor.

Step 1: Fill the Shaker

Start by adding fresh ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Pour in the white rum first, then follow with the fresh pineapple juice for that bright, juicy flavor.

Step 2: Add the Flavors

Next, add a splash of maraschino liqueur to bring in those delicate cherry notes. A dash of grenadine gives the cocktail its signature pink hue.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Seal the shaker and give it a good shake for about 10 to 15 seconds. This chills the drink and blends the flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. It should be clear, smooth, and beautifully pink.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Drop a maraschino cherry into the glass, and if you want to go the extra mile, add a small pineapple wedge on the rim.

Pro tip: Fresh pineapple juice makes a world of difference compared to canned juice.

For a true 1920s Cuban-inspired experience, serve it in a classic coupe glass instead of a martini glass.

Check the recipe card below for exact measurements and detailed instructions.

Variations and Twists on the Classic Recipe

Want to put your own spin on the Mary Pickford cocktail? We love playing around with different ingredients and ratios to bring out new flavors. Here are some easy ways to switch things up.

Make It Bolder

If you like a stronger drink, increasing the rum while keeping everything else the same creates a more spirit-forward version. This allows the rum to take center stage without overpowering the other flavors.

Tone Down the Sweetness

Prefer a drier, more refreshing take? Reducing the grenadine and maraschino liqueur lets the pineapple juice shine while keeping the balance just right.

Frozen Mary Pickford

For a fun frozen twist, blend white rum, pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur, grenadine, and a generous scoop of crushed ice until smooth. This turns the classic Mary Pickford into a refreshing, slushy cocktail perfect for warm days or when you're craving something extra chilled and tropical.

Alcohol-Free Version

Want to skip the booze? Swapping the rum for coconut water and adding a splash of almond extract mimics the maraschino notes while keeping the drink just as flavorful and refreshing.

Each light rum brings something different, from grassy herbal notes to the smoothness of Cuban-style rums. Trying different brands can highlight new flavors, making it fun to experiment.

For a fresh twist, swap the maraschino cherry for a pineapple wedge. It adds a tropical touch that complements the drink perfectly.

There is no right or wrong way to enjoy a Mary Pickford cocktail, just mix, taste, and find what you love.

More Classic Cocktails You Might Enjoy

If you love the tropical sweetness of the Mary Pickford, you might enjoy these other classics.

• El Presidente
• Hemingway Daiquiri
• Classic Mojito
• Cuba Libre
• Tequila Sunrise

Each of these cocktails has its own history and charm. If you are in the mood for more tropical flavors, give them a try and find your new favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Mary Pickford cocktail?

The Mary Pickford cocktail was born in 1920s Cuba when silent film star Mary Pickford visited Havana. She filmed there with her husband Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin.

Eddie Woelke crafted this drink at the Hotel Nacional, naming it after the famous actress.

What's in a Mary Pickford drink?

We mix white rum, fresh pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur to create this pink cocktail. A maraschino cherry brings the perfect finishing touch.

What does a Mary Pickford taste like?

The drink brings sweet tropical notes from pineapple juice mixed with rum's clean taste. Cherry flavors from both grenadine and maraschino liqueur add depth and complexity.

Fresh fruit flavors dominate, making it taste like a sophisticated tropical punch.

What's the best rum for a Mary Pickford cocktail?

We recommend using light or white rum to let the fruit flavors shine through. Bacardi Superior or Havana Club work great for this recipe.

How strong is a Mary Pickford cocktail?

The Mary Pickford falls into the medium-strength category of cocktails. The sweet fruit juices mask the alcohol, making it taste milder than it is.

We suggest drinking it slowly to fully appreciate its delicate flavors.

Mary Pickford Cocktail Recipe

The Mary Pickford cocktail is a smooth, tropical mix of white rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur that feels both refreshing and elegant. Created in the 1920s, this Cuban classic was named after one of Hollywood’s most legendary silent film stars.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine mesh Strainer
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Cocktail glass

Ingredients

  

• 1½ oz white rum
• 1½ oz pineapple juice
• ¼ oz grenadine
• ¼ oz maraschino liqueur
• 1 Luxardo cherry for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill a cocktail shaker with fresh ice cubes.
• Pour in the white rum first, followed by the pineapple juice for that bright, tropical base.
• Add the grenadine and maraschino liqueur to bring in the signature color and cherry notes.
• Shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds until the shaker feels ice-cold.
• Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass to remove any pulp for a silky-smooth finish.
• Drop in a Luxardo cherry for the perfect final touch.

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